Families across the UK are preparing for the expected “Christmas bubble”, and five days when several families will have the opportunity to mix in.
But with the prime minister and his scientists urging people to keep things “short, small and local”, many old friends are willing to make their homes as “COVID-safe” as possible.
It is one of the ways to reduce risk corona-virus there is internal ventilation to ensure good ventilation.
Experts from the government’s Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) have provided guidance on how to properly ventilate your home.
Here Sky News takes a look at what the experts said.
Why is ventilation important?
COVID-19 spread through tiny droplets that are released when someone with the virus comes out through the nose or mouth.
The advice from SAGE states: “If people spend a lot more time in a room, the virus can build up in the air and people can ingest enough of it to cause infection.”
They define ventilation as “the process of inhaling fresh air from outside and removing indoor air, in which there may be pollutants… introducing virus particles ”.
So if a room is well ventilated, there is a greater chance that any coronavirus particles in the air will be able to pass quickly outside before they can catch anyone.
When is ventilation more important?
Government experts say the risk of COVID-19 ingestion is likely to increase when people perform activities such as high-intensity exercise, singing or loud talking “.
This is because they “cause them to emit more aerosol”.
So if you plan to do any of these things indoors, especially with old or vulnerable relatives, ventilation is even more important.
SAGE also notes that face masks “reduce the amount of virus that enters the air”.
At home, people are less likely to wear a face mask, especially since at least some of the time is spent eating and drinking.
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How can I ventilate my home?
“Opening windows is the simplest way to increase ventilation for most people,” according to government experts.
So keeping windows and doors open as much as possible is the easiest way to ensure good ventilation and to spread the risk of viruses.
But if the weather is cold, it ‘s too strange outside, or you can’t leave windows open for security reasons, this may not be practical.
In these cases, SAGE states that “regular air in a room by opening windows for shorter periods of time can be effective in reducing concentrations of the virus in the air”.
They recommend that they be open for 10 minutes every hour.
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Experts also say you don’t need to have your windows and doors open for effective ventilation.
“Ventilation levels through openings are determined by wind speed and temperature difference between indoor and outdoor,” SAGE says.
“In colder weather opening the window a little ventilation can be almost as effective as opening the window completely in the summer.”
In addition to windows, the experts advise making sure that any “rear vents” – which means out vents or vents – are opened.
They also recommend keeping exhaust fans in kitchens, bathrooms and utility rooms longer than usual after people have used the room.
SAGE states that “currently there is little evidence that air purifiers – or purifiers – are effective in preventing COVID-19.
But if you have one, make sure it uses ultraviolet filtration or light, as “air cleaning principles may be useful in some cases”, he says.
When should I ventilate my home?
If you spend time indoors with people you do not live with, SAGE advises: “Providing extra ventilation when visitors are at home and immediately after they leave is are likely to reduce risks in case they become infected. “
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Priti Patel also says that movement between layers is invisible.
How are workplaces and public areas ventilated?
To allow businesses to remain open during the pandemic, the UK government is calling for them to be “COVID-secure”.
This involves conducting a COVID risk assessment, which will also include a section on ventilation.
Larger buildings have mechanical ventilation systems, which create ventilation even if windows or doors are not open. These should be inspected regularly by premises staff.
These are different from air-conditioning systems, which often simply recycle existing air in the room.
SAGE states that “several studies have linked emissions to recirculated air conditions”.
This is because the virus stays in the air and the speed of the aircraft can cause droplets to “stay in the air over longer distances”.
Desk fans can have the same effect as well, so they are advised not to use them.
How can I tell if a place is well ventilated?
Experts admit that it is “very difficult” to work out how well a place is ventilated. But there are some clues.
If you see fences or hooks on the ceiling or above the walls, it is very likely that that room or building has mechanical ventilation.
A room with no visible vents but windows and doors is subject to natural ventilation, so opening them will ensure that the area is as safe as possible.
If an interior space “feels stuffed or smelly”, it is unlikely to be well ventilated, SAGE says.
Experts say: “Spending a short time in a poorly ventilated area, especially if people have face cover, is very likely to be at high risk.
“But if you’re in a poorly ventilated room with a lot of people for a long time, this is likely to be a much higher risk environment to give up.”